Joshua·Chapter 9

How to Apply

This week, look for opportunities to show kindness or mercy to someone in your life. Maybe it’s a friend who’s let you down or a colleague who’s made a mistake. Instead of responding with frustration, think about how you can show them grace. It could be as simple as offering to help them out or having a heartfelt conversation about what happened. Reflect on how this small act can create a ripple effect of positivity in your relationships and community.

Chapter Context

This verse is nestled within a dramatic chapter where the Israelites have just been tricked by the Gibeonites, who pretended to be from a distant land to avoid destruction. The leaders, realizing they’ve been deceived, face a dilemma: what to do with these people who lied but now seek to serve. This decision to let them live and give them roles in the community reflects the complexities of leadership and mercy. It shows how the chapter builds tension and resolves it by allowing for redemption and a new beginning, even for those who have made mistakes.

Key Biblical Words (Word Study)

• leaders - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• said - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• live - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• cutters - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• wood - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• drawers - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• water - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• congregation - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• leaders - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".
• said - The original language uses a word that carries the meaning of "a deep biblical concept".

Reflection Question

How do you feel about the idea of showing mercy to someone who has wronged you? What might that look like in your life?

Related Verses

• Matthew 5:7 - This verse talks about how those who are merciful will be shown mercy in return, connecting to the idea of compassion in this verse.
• Luke 6:36 - Here, you’re encouraged to be merciful just as your Father is merciful, emphasizing the importance of kindness in human interactions.
• Proverbs 21:21 - This verse highlights that whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity, and honor, echoing the transformative power of choosing love over judgment.

Personal Prayer

Lord, thank You for the truth found in Joshua 9:21. Help me to take the insights from this scripture and apply them to my heart today.Amen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Main Themes

Deception, Covenant, Divine Guidance, Consequences of Choices, Fear and Strategy, Faithfulness, Leadership Responsibility

Key Verses

9:6-7, 9:14, 9:15, 9:18-19, 9:20

Historical Context

Joshua 9 is situated within the broader narrative of Israel's conquest of Canaan, which unfolds after Moses' death. Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites have already demonstrated their military prowess by conquering Jericho and Ai. This chapter introduces the Gibeonites, who, fearing for their lives, resort to deception rather than open conflict. The chapter underscores the need for discernment and spiritual insight in leadership, especially in the context of fulfilling God's promises and commands. The covenant made with the Gibeonites serves as a pivotal moment, illustrating the complexity of human interactions when divine will is involved.